Twentysomething Sense

Take Another Little Pizza My Heart Now Baybay

2012-02-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

Another recipe. Dairy free this time, too.

Masterpizza

I made another trip to Scottsdale to take care of my pops and take my mom out for some much-needed girl time. Again, I turn in to Chef Kate in the kitchen.

My mother learned 2 very important things one fateful afternoon during my visit:

1 - Sephora will steal HOURS of your life. And it's worth EVERY-SINGLE-MOMENT. Except I need to get her up to speed on perfume etiquette because she smelled like 45 different kinds of flowers and maybe a little dirt when we left. In her defense though, I smelled somewhat like a baby prostitute.. normal? Maybe? I was trying to find something new and just as amazing as my old perfume - last purchased by an ex boyfriend - which means it reeks of broken promises and video games. Yes, I said it. I'm sorry I'm not sorry. On to numero dos...
2 - How to make a dairy free pizza for the lactose-intolerant Superman back at home..... here comes the fun!

Mission : Dairy Free Yummy Delicious Incredible Pizza from scratch .... well, almost.

Ingredients:

1 package Whole Foods dairy-free, gluten-free, white pizza dough - 16in
1 hand full (yes, I said hand full. Who measures??? Puh-lease) flour
1 package pepperoni (I chose the large, uncured pepperoni package from Applegate at Whole Foods - SUPER YUM)
8 oz package of Daiya's dairy-free mozzarella cheese
Fresh red pizza sauce (typically sold near the dough ... at Whole Foods, obviously)
1/2 lb ground Italian pork sausage
1 BIG appetite

Directions:

Preheat oven to 475 degrees (holy crap that's hot!) While the oven is heating, we cooked up the ground sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Just moved it around in the pan until completely browned and delicious. Lovely thing about those Italians and their sausage.. no seasoning is really necessary! (I'm aware of how dirty that sounds). Place skillet aside and off heat. Await next steps....

Slowly and carefully remove your dough from the bag and place on a lightly floured counter top or board. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out in a circle as much as you can. What was totally fun about this was the fact that the rolling pin will only take you SO far, so it became evident to my mother and I that I was not getting the desired result solely from pinning and kneading.. it was time to toss the dough. And so I did, while walking around the house yelling to my dad in a thick, offensive Italian accent and talking smack about Mario Batali having nothing on me. Fahgettaboutit. When desired circumference has been met, it's time to place your toppings on your pizza! Norma and I started with the sauce, spread it over the top, added the ground sausage over top, then the package of cheese, and finally - the pepperoni! Place in the oven on a pizza stone or large cookie sheet (if you must... but seriously - go buy a pizza stone)for 15 minutes or until crust appears risen and golden brown... ENJOY!!!!!!!!

Seriously have dreams about this dish. Best. Pizza. Ever.

Pizza my heart.

CHEERS!

DIY Gifts Winos: Mission One

2012-01-21T15:36:00.000-08:00

WOW. So, this is overdue but better late than never, I suppose? 

Over the holidays, I mentioned that I took on the task adventure of DIY-ing my holiday gifts for my close friends and family. They turned out so so so much better than I had expected. This was, of course, to my surprise because let's face it - even my stick figures turn out looking more like squiggly portraits of dragon flies. My own mother actually said it best when I told her I was going to get a manicure on speaker phone in the car with a few friends as witnesses when she said, "Oh yes. Do that. You've never been very good with that.... or coloring in the lines...or painting your own toes for that matter. You should get a pedicure , too." Thanks for the encouragement, Ma. 

The first mission? DYI chalked wine glasses. All of my friends, and I mean ALL of them, enjoy drinking vino on a daily regular basis. So this was a no brainer. 

Chalked Wine Glasses

You will need:

Wine glasses of your choice

Chalk paint (I found it at Lowe's for somewhere around 10 bucks. Don't be fooled by Target - they only carry it online. I found this out after spending an hour looking. Yes, an hour. Partially in tears at that point.) 

Painter's tape

Chalk

Decorative ribbons of your choice

Paint brush (almost forgot) 

Tarp - plastic, paper, just pick something you don't care about obviously

Maybe grab some wine for yourself for this one

Oh - you will need patience. Lots of it. 

The backside of a hammer. This isn't to torture yourself, I swear. It's to open the paint can.  

Directions: 

Clean your wine glasses and dry them THOROUGHLY. They can't be wet when you start this endeavor. Lay out your tarp (I used Trader Joe's paper bags because I have a billion of them). Open the paint can with the backside of a hammer.Mix your paint vigorously. I bought the smaller can of paint so the wine glass bottom fit in PERFECTLY. This worked very well in my favor but it's not needed. wrap the painter's tape around the stem; leaving the base and about a 1/2 inch of the stem uncovered. Make sure to wrap it with a little bent over tab so that you can peel it off with ease when they are dry. Ready??? Place the base and part of the stem cautiously in the paint can. Dip in and pull out (that's what she said) and swirl it around over the can so that the excess drips off and back in to the can. I prefer this method rather than painting it on because the appearance is less like a mowed lawn and more smoothly covered. Once the majority of the excess is off, use the paint brush to brush the excess off of the bottom and place the glass base on your tarp. The most important part of this is making sure to pick up and move the glass to another spot every few minutes until it appears not to stick badly. Otherwise, your gift will include the tarp because good luck getting it unstuck. Also very important to remember - one coat is okay but I did two. Each coat of paint takes 24 hours to dry completely. Basically, this makes this DIY a 3-day process. 

Once dry, carefully peel off the tape as to not disturb the straight lines. And voila!!! Wrap two pieces of chalk with your decorative ribbon and give them with the wine glasses! SO CUTE. My friends loved them, thank goodness! And I'm sure they are being put to good use...winos. 

Word of advice for owners of chalked wine glasses. My friends have said that they are dishwasher safe. And the chalk writing is best tested by rubbing the rounded side of the chalk all around the base and wiping off with a dry towel or paper. Then, let the writing begin!!!

Good luck!!

Cheers

Quickie Recipes: Brie and Apple Tart & Oatmeal Whoopie Pies

2012-01-20T13:47:00.000-08:00

My hiatuses from blogging are becoming entirely too frequent. To the 3 of you that actually read my blog, my sincerest apologies. Well...I mean... sort of. Let's be honest - I've been kick-starting 2012 on a pretty amazing roll so I've been a little too busy smellin' all the roses to get back to my computer and write about them. Wouldn't be such a hassle if I had an IPad... just sayin'. NOTE TO SELF - GET OFF TUKHIS AND SPRING FOR AN IPAD.

Any hoo. Recipe time.

This past weekend my sister and her hubby rented an INCREDIBLE beach house in Malibu for a few days to celebrate her big dirty purdy 30. It's a big one, kids. A milestone! And she just get's prettier with age.. *cue the oooo's and awwww's*. I have been known over the years for being the cupcake stork but I figured I would try something different this year and spice it up a bit. And I had no idea what Sister's friends were bringing so I didn't want to overdue the dessert table. Honestly, it's much easier to buy bake cake or cupcakes or cookies and thus, EVERYONE does it. So, I dared to be different. I started with one of my Sister's favorite things ever... Brie.

Brie and Apple Tarts

Ingredients:

3 rolls of puff pastry at room temperature (this makes 12 puffs) 

3 green apple (give or take - depends on how much you like your apples) 

1 Tbsp brown sugar

1 Tbsp butter, will be divided/sliced

1 Tsp cinnamon

2 medium wedge of brie (I used big chunks so you can play this amount by ear) 

2 eggs (to be safe. Most like only one egg white will be used)

flour (for rolling)
Ready to rumble

SO MUCH CHEESE!!!
This is what heaven smells like.... 

Directions:

Preheat the over to 400 degrees. Unfold one sheet of pasty puff flat on to a wooden cutting board or counter. rub over with flour (as well as the rolling pin that I hope you have to flatten the pastry sheets down). Flatten pastry with pin, and then cut in to 4 even squares (mine looked more like rectangles...tomatO, tomAHto, I suppose...). Cut a generous chunk of your brie wedge and place it in the center of each square. Note: I chose to cut off the outer white cheese "skin", if you will. But, you don't have to. Then place 3-4 thin slice of apple over the brie. Mix together your brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over top of each square. Follow this with a thin, small slice of butter. Now comes the fun part. Use a brush to brush egg white on to the edges of each pastry and fold each corner up to the center on top of your yummy brie and apple pile. As you close each edge, cover with more egg white. This will help keep the pastry together while baking and give it that yummy golden/brown look. Bake for 20 minutes each batch. Seriously, your house is going to smell INCREDIBLE. This is HANDS DOWN THE YUMMIEST THING I'VE EVER BAKED!! I can't wait to have a reason to bake them again!

Packed up and ready to go to the Bu

Next....  

2nd day in paradise, I wanted to contribute something easy, different, but super yummy. It was a rented house so it didn't have much to use. Scratch was not an option. I made a quick trip to the Ralphs on PCH and ended up hitting a slam-dunk with everyone a second night in a row. Which is weird, because I definitely don't play basketball. It is basketball, right? Grand slam? Whatever.

Quick Oatmeal Whoopie Pies

Ingredients:

1 bag of Betty Crocker oatmeal cookie mix (or make them from scratch but I didn't have the ingredients to at the time)

1 egg

1 cup of butter (2 stick)

1&1/4 cup powdered sugar

2 Tsps (or more) of vanilla extrct

1/2 to 1 cup heavy whipping cream  

A pic of the last one .... almost forgot to take a picture and they got eaten too fast!

Directions: 

This is the tough part .... dun dun dun.... mix the contents of the Betty Crocker oatmeal cookie bag with 1 egg and 1/2 cup of butter (1 stick). Add 1 tsp and mix until creamy. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes or until golden brown. 

While the cookies are baking... it's time to make the Whoopie Cream Filling!!! OM NOM NOM. Mix 1&1/4 cup powdered sugar with 1/2 cup butter (1 stick). Add 1/2 cup whipping cream and whisk together. The consistency should be sticky enough not to drip but not thick enough that you can't whisk. Thus, play this one by eye and add more whipping cream or powdered sugar if need be. Add between 1 & 2 teaspoons vanilla. I added 2 because it made the flavor pop so much more in contrast to the oatmeal of the cookie so this is my recommendation. 

Now it gets tricky. And by tricky, I mean it becomes a practice in patience. And I'm not patient.... at all. Let the cookies cool down - they can't be warm at all. I put mine in the fridge to speed up the process a bit. You can't put on the whoopie filling when they are warm or it will just melt off and it's all sorts of messy when that happens! Once the cookies are cool, put some of the filling on one cookie and make a little cookie sandwich with another. Place the pies in the fridge for a few minutes so that everyone is cool and sticking together. Serve and enjoy!! num num nummmmy. 

Cheers

Another view... para para paradise

Cheers to New Beginnings: 2012

2012-01-02T21:03:00.000-08:00

As I peruse Facebook, I notice a slew of similar quotes and approaches to 2012. Everyone seems to have the same mindset that I have been gearing up for over the past few weeks. Basically... it's time to make 2012 your bitch. Pardon my french, but just saying that gets me all fired up; which is the point, in fact.

My date and I before NYE festivities..... (notice he is sharply and fully dressed)

The morning after... half clothed and super cranky.

Oscar Wilde once said that good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they  have no account. We all need goals, something to look forward to, and most importantly - something to challenge ourselves to accomplish! So as much as I love Oscar and his isms, I'm gonna write some checks off a bank account that's bound to suffice and supplement my dreams! 

Miss Masterpeace in the Making and I went to one of my fave brunch spots in El Lay : Toast to regather our composure from the night before....maybe recap a night that involved me gracefully butt-planting on the ground in 5 inch heels because I chose brilliantly to stand RIGHT NEXT to the floor vent at my trainer's apartment drinking champagne and tequila. Seriously, I'm a freaking genius. 

Back to Toast - After the most scatterbrained "hostess" (if we want to call her that at this point) sat us after 100 years waiting in line (although it's worth it - TRUST ME), we ended up seated in the section of the most handsome waiter I have ever seen. SO, we let the whole "waiting forever and a half" incident slide and practiced not slurring when attempting to give him our order. SIDE NOTE: girls slur when we think you are sexy, boys. Remember that. Maybe write it down. On second thought, it might just be me.

Anyways, I grabbed two kids menus, turned them over, and set us on a mission. Resolutions. 

I have NEVER been a fan of resolutions. It's annoying and I feel like there's an invisible force constantly peer pressuring me and calling me a slacker in my ear. BUT the point of it is simple: if you didn't like something in 2011, FIX IT. Don't complain about it -you're wasting oxygen and brain power. If you don't think you're going to be able to accomplish something then you are probably right. Don't be a negative Nancy. It's ugly on you. And it gives you wrinkles (EW, RIGHT?). Writing resolutions with a friend was brilliant. They will tell you when you are being ridiculous, whether or not something is realistic, and *BONUS*- suggest something that they think you should work on that you might not notice or want to admit. Obviously they should do this in a loving and caring manner. Not like - "wow, sistah - you should resolve to buy better shoes". If you have friends like this, I suggest you start with resolution numero uno being "GET BETTER FRIENDS". 

My favorite resolution - PUT A STAMP IN MY PASSPORT. See? Doable. Necessary. And whimsically hope-inspiring. 

So.... now it's your turn. Grab a piece of paper (yes, physical paper. Put down the IPhone. This is good for your soul, I promise you), grab a friend if you can, get a sharpie or crayon, and start writing. Don't be afraid of making a couple drafts. Get it perfectly tailored to you and put it in your pocket or purse. Carry it with you and cross those suckers off one by one!!! I have faith in you. And so does 2012.

Cheers

Home Super Sweet Home

2011-12-25T15:20:00.000-08:00

The Holidays are a time for family, friends, love, cooking, and a horrific increase in your sugar intake. This is the time of year that reminds us why we have been prepping at the gym for like 11 months - so we can stuff our faces and drink til we're sleepy without turning in to Augustus Gloop (but with WAY better hair, let's be honest). Jolly and merry like good ol' Kris Kringle (I totally didn't just google the spelling of that, by the way. Totally did didn't). 

Before I even made it to the airport to fly back to Scottsdale for a sunny Christmas adventure, I went ahead and made a gingerbread house from scratch. Trader Joes is my mecca and never fails. So what was originally a trip for a little two-buck-Chuck ended up being a free-for-all of peppermint bark and gingerbread goodies. Don't panic - I obviously made sure to grab wine to go with it. Nothing goes better with holiday goodies than wine... or eggnog....but I went with wine this time. 

Behold my gingerbread teepee house. Yes,  I am aware of it's miniature stature. I am also miniature so it works for me. Please keep all criticisms to yourself, thank you. The box from Trader Joes had everything I needed so the hardest part was adding an egg and some lemon juice to the provided box of powdered sugar in order to make the icing to hold this bad boy together. WARNING - NOT TASTY. TASTES A BIT MORE LIKE GLUE THAN ICING. GLUE AND LYSOL. Also, please notice the provided cat figure that I glued to the roof. Just trying to be realistic and that's where my roommates cat usually is.... that or trolling the street for dude-cats.

OOOOOO So I bet you leave Santa cookies but why does everyone leave out the darn elves!? I mean, they are the ones that do all of the toy-making. And we've all seen Elf and The Santa Clause... obviously Santa has to bring at least one elf with him to make his deliveries. Hollywood would never steer us wrong. THUS, while Mrs. Clause my mother slaved away making vegan chocolate chip cookies (Dad Santa had some health issues that proved to make any dairy consumption a bit tricky....big problem in the North Pole), I went ahead and made some donuts for the elves.

Not to ruin the mystery but for anyone that wants to make these - cheerios, icing, sprinkles. Spread the word and MERRRYYYYYYYY CHRISTMMMASSSSSSS to all. And by Christmas I intend to cover all of my friend's religious celebrations....although today is my Christmas so I'm gonna call it that. 

Cheers

Candy Cane Ginger "ohhhh" Snaps

2011-12-14T17:12:00.000-08:00

I decided to make all of my gifts this Christmas. Yes, MAKE. The uncraftiest girl on the planet decided to craft all of her gifts. And for some reason, no one tried to stop me. 

*I'll post that process with pics after everyone has gotten their gifts. Otherwise, I'd be the worst Santa EVER* 

As my life of coloring outside the lines, failed finger-painting, and a series of disappointing stick figure self portraits flashed in front of my eyes, I headed out on Saturday to gather supplies and face my impending doom. Thankfully, someone directed me to a Target far from the realms of WeHo - where they even manage to run out of toilet paper on a Tuesday afternoon. This far-off Neverland Target was surrounded by a Mecca of all the stores that I needed to gather supplies; Lowes, Bed Bath and Beyond, Bevmo... the usual. In the midst of it all - I managed to gather the ingredients for gingersnaps for the ugly sweater party I was headed to later that night. 

...Which brought another issue - needed ugly sweater. Thank God I live amongst a plethora of vintage shops and hideous old Christmas sweaters are a' plenty. We're a city of ...um...eclectic individuals. 

AND SO I headed home with my 4 and a half hours worth of goodies only to find that I needed to get ready in an hour for the party. You never go to a party empty handed!! So here is what I managed to put together... 

Only took one crappy photo. Sorry, ya'll.

Sweater...complete with sweater puppies. Try not to be memorized.

Recipe:

 Candy Cane Ginger "ohhhh" Snaps

Ingredients: 

1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup molasses
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger

OR let's be honest ...... get a package of gingersnap mix by Betty Crocker, add an egg, a cup of butter and some water and call it a day. But you aren't THAT lazy are you??? 

Directions: 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar, oil, molasses, and egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger; stir into the molasses mixture. Roll dough into 1 1/4 inch balls or just use discretion.. I mean... is this your first time making cookies? Awww I'm kidding. Please don't cry. You can also roll each ball in white sugar before placing 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets... if ya want to.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in preheated oven, or until center is firm.
HERE'S THE BEST BEST BEST PART!!!! Let the cookies cool down for about 60 seconds and then add a CANDY CANE HERSHEY KISS to the top center! Let sit for about 2 minutes and then place in the fridge.

YOU. WILL. LOVE. 

Happy eating, everyone! And happy happy happppppy Christmas.

Cheers

You're So Cute, Little Mini Pie

2011-12-05T14:44:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving came and I got the baking itch. Problem? My superhero-cancer-butt-kicking father can't have certain amounts... or any for that matter... of dairy. This can make baking a bit of an issue as you can imagine. We also only had 5 people at my family's dinner so big pies seemed like overkill - not to mention begging the universe to add a few pounds to each of our lives. SO I found a solution on Pinterest (obviously). Made a few tweaks and VOILA - mini apple pies for guilt free consumption.

Final product....

Nothing like killing 3 okay 5.... OKAY OKAY like 6 bottles of wine with my amazing Aunt Diane and mi madre. Diane has officially been initiated in to my mom and my secret circle of wine consumption that would kill a small animal. I think some of my favorite nights have been Disney movies and too much wine with good old Norma. Oh God.. not old... ya know... just like ... oh forget it - I screwed that up. Mom - I LOVE YOU. WILL DISCUSS AT LATER TIME HOW BEAUTIFUL YOU ARE. And young. VERY young.

Anyways... I digress yet again...

Here's a recipe that everyone will love. Even the kiddies can indulge in small amounts.

Mini Apple Pies

Ingredients:

2 frozen pie crusts 

6 normal size apples (I used the granny smith apples from Trader Joes... om nom nom delicious) 

6 tblspoons of flour

1 cup regular granulated sugar

4 tspoons cinnamom

1/4-1/2 tspoons nutmeg (depending on how much you actually like nutmeg)

4 tspoons room temperature butter (unsalted) 

1 egg

1 mini muffin pan

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Start by chopping up the 6 apples in to tiny little chunks (see photo if the term "chunk" is just too vague for you...whomp whomp...). Place in a bowl and add the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until all of the apples are covered. Add 4 teaspoons of butter and mix in thoroughly. 

Just apples


...with the powders and butter...

OM NOM NOM - all mixed and delicious

Unroll pie crusts and use cookie cutter (or the 1/2 cup measuring cup...bc I'm creative) to make circles big enough for your mini muffin pan. Dip the edges in the white of one cracked egg before placing in the muffin pan. Although buttering the pan should not be necessary, it was MUCH easier to get the pies out if I sprayed some canola oil on it prior to baking. Fill each mini pie crust with the apple filling until it's pouring a little over. Then place a small hat of crust on top using the leftover pie crust. Bake for 18-22 minutes. I backed mine for about 15 and then checked every 2 minutes or so until they were perfect and the crust was noticeably browning. Allow to sit for 2 minutes before sliding out of the pan and starting over. 

I'm so clever....

Ready to bake!!

They are perfect for a morning-afternoon-late night snackeroo! Even great with your morning coffee!! 

YUM YUM YUM. They were a hit!!! Enjoy!!! And here's a little peak at Frank the Thanksgiving (or should I say FRANKSgiving)turkey before his journey to our mouths. Poor sap never saw it coming. OH OH and my mom's sinful sweet potato casserole. Check out those marshmallows! HUBBA HUBBA.

FRANKS-GIVING

CHEERS

Recipe: Balsamic Chicken With Buster

2011-11-21T17:27:00.001-08:00

I  went on a date.... with this adorable nugget. Meet Buster - my new man.  He adores me so much he just STARES. I know, Buster... I'm just  soooooooooo mesmerizing... Well it's either that or all the mozzarella I  had. Gotta take what you can get, I suppose. 

I  cooked him and his owner a delicious new recipe that was SO simple - I  even trusted someone else to bring groceries (I know what you're  thinking - I MUST be crazy). 

I grabbed my favorite bottle of wine and drove all the way to Egypt to cook it, too.  Yes - Egypt. BF NOWHERE. It was actually really pretty but of course I  missed my exit and had to take a 25 minute detour just to get back on  track. So thank you, IPhone for getting me lost. It was definitely the  IPhone. I don't get lost... ever... DUH. I'm bringing a passport next  time so I can finally get a stamp in it. 

Balsamic Chicken With Peppers, Mozzarella, and Basil 

Ingredients: 

- Chicken breasts (duh) 

- Balsamic glaze - if your store doesn't have it then balsamic vinegar will do just fine...kind of 
- Mini red peppers (full) 
- Mozzarella (larger intact balls if possible)... must resist dirty joke.... 
- Basil leaves

- Crushed garlic

- Lemon juice (however you want to get it) 

- Salt

- Aluminum foil  

- Cooking pan

- Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions: 

Mix  together balsamic glaze (or vinegar) in generous portion with 2  tblespoons of lemon juice,  2 tblespoons crushed garlic, and a sprinkle  (use your noise and tastebuds on this one) of salt. Whisk together. Add  more of the ingredients you like if you want. Place in bowl covering and  marinating the chicken for at least 20 minutes. 

Preheat  oven to 375 degrees. Place chicken in aluminum foil - wrapping each  piece separately and pinching top to keep air-tight. Place on cooking  pan. Remove stem and seeds from 2-4 of the mini red peppers without  cutting completely in half. Spray or pour SMALL amount of olive oil  inside the pepper (based on size) and place open-side-up directly on the  pan next to the wrapped chicken breasts (saving pans, people - no one  likes dishes). Cook for 20-30 minutes depending on thickness of breasts.  (PLEASE check to make sure they are cooked thoroughly. For the love of  GOD....) Remove chicken from oven, open each, and place large slices of  mozzarella on to each piece of chicken. Reseal and place back in the  oven for approx 2 minutes. Remove from oven and aluminum foil, place  basil leave on top and follow up with open face-down roasted mini  pepper.

VOILA. OM NOM NOM. ENJOY. 

CHEERS

Recipe for Repair

2011-11-15T10:48:00.000-08:00

Matters of the heart and soul can be the most fragile of all. OKAY - they ARE the most fragile. SO today's recipe is not for something yummy and awesome for the holidays, but rather it's a recipe for those who need mending. Don't worry, I'm not asking anyone in the class to raise their hands and admit that they let it happen. Let's keep it anonymous. But the slow and painful process begins with YOU - the wounded. I don't mean you "let it happen" as in your brought it upon yourself but it is easy to be clouded by your hopes and ignore all the signs. There are ALWAYS signs. I notice them right away. Always. It may take me a month to finally see that repair is not an option but the truth always remains - you can repair your own heart and soul. 

My roomie Sarah's mug - my fave... that I like to steal to drink my tea...

First ingredient: Your closest friends. This may not be the time to fill your social calendar with back-to-back lunches, dinners, drinks, ect. But wine night, girls night, a night out, and brunches can be the most amazing medicine when you spend them with the people who understand you best. The hot blonde you just met from the coffee shop is NOT your best friend. The smokin' hot guy from Trader Joes will not solve your problems..okay.. maybbbeeeee for a minute but NO. Seriously.. I know it's tough. Resist. And let's not forget good old fashioned quality time with ... wait for it .... YOU. When's the last time you read a damn book? Plus, let's be honest - there are things you do in private that you didn't do in front of your heartbreaker - do those things now! Whenever you want to! (PS - I'm talking about primping, facials, masks, nail polishing...so get your mind out of the gutter. Gross.) 

Second ingredient: A healthy lifestyle. Focus on your health. A lot of people forget to take care of themselves when going through a tough and stressful time. I'm guilty. Heck, thanks to my last hiccup I've finally met my goal weight and I'm at the gym almost TOO much. I would send him a thank you note but I actually have a heart... and consideration... and no time to dwell. Let's continue. 

Third ingredient: FAMILY. GO see them. Your mother misses you. Your sister/brother/aunt/uncle will not judge you. And if they do - they are joking or teasing. Family is the toughest and strongest bond. It's like Super Glu for the soul. Just be careful with your fingers..... I actually glued my fingers to my keyboard once... which was super embarrassing when exiting the office that day... "Look at me- I'm sticky fingers McGee!". Plus, I'm pretty sure someone's gonna rat me out for stealing office property. Swindled. I digress... 

Fourth ingredient: OKAY - this one is tough. It's tough because I haven't done it as much as I thought I would and sometimes you won't either. Cry. Let it out. Scream, punch something, just get it ALL out. I hear it's really good for you to get it all out quickly to make moving on easier. This last "hiccup" as I will continue to call it - because it was a blip, my heart skipped a beat, and guess what...it ended quicker than it started - left me crying over spilled milk more than the actual event somehow. It's strange how we are all different. You don't have to ACTUALLY spew Niagra-style. Just make sure to acknowledge your heart and how much you are hurting. 

"The obstacle of today is tomorrow's blessing"  - courtesy of The Daily Love

Directions: Mix together QUICKLY. Like - super fast. Realize there is no time to dwell. Life is too short. It always happens for the best. Amicable breakups are few and far between. Admit it. Most likely, it's the other person's loss - not your own. Realize this immediately (this is where your friends will help). Cry it out. Even Pippa Middleton has been seen crying all over town about her recent breakup and homegirl is a goddess. On that note - why the hell can't I cry about this? Oh well. C'est la vie. I'm an ugly crier anyways. Marinate in it all. Bake for a few days. Yes- DAYS. Pull out of the misery oven. ENJOY the new you. 

Final note of advice. For ALL things related to the heart and soul.   

Trust your intuition. NEVER deny your immediate feelings. If something doesn't feel right or if there is a change in winds... you are not imagining it - it's real. Prepare yourself.    

CHEERS

I Moustache You to Participate : MOVEMBER

2011-11-03T14:39:00.000-07:00

Ahhh  yes.... it's November. Time to dust off those turkey recipes, pull out  the winter clothes, and start seriously contemplating your Christmas  gifts this year. Or Channukah (which is WAY more effort, I might add - I  mean....8? REALLY? I can hardly think of ONE. On that note - I wish I  was Jewish). 

Anywho... 

You  know what is also super duper spendiferous awesome about this month? Charity efforts to increase the population of moustaches in the  world. My favorite? Movember. Because folks... it's moustache season.  There's nothing that will breathe a little excitement into charitable  activities more than some creativity... that and mens facial hair. 

Men involved in the month of Movember are referred to as Mo Bros. Mo Bros  seek out sponsorship for their staches and all donations go to the  efforts to save the men of the world from prostate cancer and all other  cancers that affect men specifically.. and cancer in general. But let's  be honest - Women: We had breast cancer awareness in October and no one  wants to see you don a moustache. Let's leave it to the men, this  month. 

Not  only did my father have cancer in his esophagus this past year, but  when he was about my age he experienced a whole other world of pain with  testicular cancer. Seriously - the man is invincible. I wasn't joking.  Point is - cancer is ALL around us. It's a natural disaster for your body and that of the people you love most. 

GIRLFRIENDS OF THE WORLD - GET YOUR MAN INVOLVED since you can't be....  

A CALL TO ALL THE MEN IN MY LIFE AND YOURS (the 3 people that actually read my blog). GET INVOLVED.  Grow that 'stache! Grow it fluffy and long and proud. Handle bar, burly  bush, sparrow, goatee, chin curtain.... but for the love of everything  that is holy - please avoid the pencil 'stache. You will just look like a  creepy perv and no one likes a Chester Molester. 

Here is the link to begin your journey. To properly participate you will need a camera to document your moustache's life! Careful, they just grow up so fast! *tear*.

http://us.movember.com/

CHEERS

I've Gone Batty - Halloween Batty

2011-10-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

More Halloween ideas!!! Hip-hip-hiphopanonymous hooray!!! I have another party/decorating experiment that turned out super duper cute. And so easy that I did didn't do it at work. No, no, that would be on company time. And paper. And scissors. It was my lunch time, people! That's MY TIME. Yeesh. 

This isn't your ordinary Ferngully bat. Although I wish it was. And I wish that Robin Williams was hiding in my kitchen providing the soundtrack for what they would be saying as they were hung in my dining area.  

I also may have originally gotten my idea from... gulp... Martha Stewart. Yes, I googled. But let's face it. The woman is a genius. A genius with wayyyy too much free time evidently. But a genius nonetheless. It definitely creeps me out a little that all her pages are called "Good Stuff". I just imagine the Saturday Night Ana Gasteyer impression... gives me the willies. 

You will need:

- Black sheets of construction paper. As many in correlation with how many bats that you want!

- Scissors

- Kitchen twine

- Tape

I'm gonna suck it up and take the easy way out and provide you with the link to Martha Stewart for the bat template. Don't judge me. Also, I chose to make my bats the size on the first page of the template even though it's supposed to just be a guide for putting together the other pages. I don't know about you, but the bigger ones are scary big and I don't want to be spitting out my coffee and running hysterically through the hallway back to my room thinking that vampires have penetrated my household and are after me because I'm just sooooooooooooo sweet.

Template: Martha Stewart Bats - Good Stuff

Directions

- Print template on white paper
- Use template as a guide to trace and cut out shapes on the thick black paper

- Tape kitchen twine to very tip, bottom portion of the bat 

- Hang upside down and attach to desired surface (ceilings are key. Fans would work too for a spoooooooooky effect.) 

I brought these little batties home and my roommate was so excited she started hanging them with kitchen twine so I can't take credit for choosing what to hang them with but they look fantastic! 

Now I leave you with a much less scary bat but probably my favorite cartoon bat EVER...not that there are a whole lot to choose from but I couldn't even start this post without the Batty Rap song getting stuck in my head.  

Happy scaring, friends!

They used and abused me, battered and bruised me...

CHEERS

Just Hangin' With My Witches

2011-10-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin carving. Can we make this an all year event? Maybe like every few months we carve a pumpkin for our doorstep that expresses how we feel? There could be a "Happy Flag Day" or "We Made it Through the Work Week - Hooray" pumpkin every Friday. I see absolutely no negative side to this whatsoever. Pumpkin patches are going to need overheads though - ya know - for the changing of the seasons. Oh, and the whole fact that pumpkins only harvest beginning in September? Minor detail. Flaw of creation. I'll get back to you on my progress with that one. 

Where was I? Oh yes. The event. My roommates decided to throw a little pumpkin carving & scary movie watching soiree. Although, Hocus Pocus and Rocky Horror aren't exactly terrifying. My private chef roommate, Miss Ginger & Spice  made a ton of goodies and I, yet again, failed to find the time to bake. I needed a quick solution so that I didn't look like the in-house slacker when people arrived. 

Behold! Bring it on, witches!

Witch Hats

Ingredients: 

1 box Keebler Original Fudge Stripe Cookies

1 bag Hershey Kisses - Original Milk Chocolate

1 tube colored decorating icing (I went with orange) 

... That's it!

Directions. This is super complicated so I'm going to need your undivided attention. Are you listening??

Step 1 - Flip over fudge stripe cookies so that bottom is facing up

Step 2 - Use icing to outline the center circle (hole in the center) on the cookie

Step 3 - Place unwrapped Hershey kiss on top and push down so that icing shows like a rim around the bottom

Step 4 - Use icing to decorate the "hat" with a little bow

VOILA. 

Must contribute to Miss Ginger & Spice's masterpiece table... must must must! 

CHEERS

SO SPOOOKY

I Hope I'm Aging More Like Wine Than a Grape.....

2011-10-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

Exhibit A - I heard my favorite song in an elevator today. I thought this was an urban legend but unfortunately, it DOES happen. It's just a matter of time. Evidently, mine is now.

Exhibit B - A friend of mine this morning was telling me a particularly inappropriate story about his frat house in college. When describing the girl he was manipulating wooing, I found myself only half listening and completely engulfed by the idea that she was wearing a jean skirt, tube top, and rocket dogs. I feel like I just experienced a drive-by-aging. It's like a drive by fruiting except you get the memories of your youth thrown directly between your eyes. Hard. Plus, I don't like guns that much. 

Exhibit C - Have you ever brought potato salad to a dinner party? Maybe some home made pie? Yupp. The days of bringing Smirnoff to the party are over. We eat, sip wine, and pass out by 11pm. 

I am consciously choosing to embrace this gracefully. I started a new diet today and even woke up before 6am so I could cook a healthy breakfast and prep my meals for the day. The idea of putting protein in every meal has got me a little nervous. I used to be a vegetarian. This much meat and fish in my life is going to make me a lean, mean, energy MACHINE.Let's face it though - it's time to take better care of our bodies, twentysomethings. We aren't in college anymore. Ugh - what I would give to go back; just for a little bit.

College. 18-22 (ish) because some of us were Van Wilders and we know it. Own it. I digress... 

Remember being able to eat whatever the hell we wanted whenever we wanted, wash it down with a beer at the local campus bar (regardless of age. Which was one of the most intriguing and satisfying parts of the experience), going to bed with makeup still on in a bed provided by the college that was GENEROUSLY called a "twin". We slept through raging music and stayed up til 4 am before waking up at 6 am for classes. My god - we were honestly invincible! 

And now? We have to eat the right things for our skin, our teeth, our eyes, our cholesterol, our blood pressure, our sleeping ability.... We use creams for our hands, our eyelids, and our wrinkles. Yes, they are coming slowly but surely, but coming just the same. 

On the bright side - we are getting older and wiser and more capable of conquering the world... Right? Well....cheers to aging like fine wine and not like grapes. **Raise your glass of red up and take a look at the clock. It's 6:45pm here so I have another 2 hours or so before bed time. What about you?**

CHEERS

Am I the Only One that Puts My Sporks in My Fanny Pack?

2011-10-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

I have been saying this for years and can not express enough my consistent disappointment that they have yet to come back to mainstream. This has been weighing pretty heavily on my mind and I just can't keep it inside anymore. 

In 1874 Samuel W. Francis patented and brought about an invention to the US and UK that is unparalleled in true form. Have you ever eaten peas before? Surely your parents forced you when you were younger so I am going to generalize my audience at this venture and choose to respond "yes" on your behalf. No matter how you tried and tried, you could never get those pesky peas to stay on your fork! You had to spear the poor little green guys or smash them with the bottom of your fork so that they would stick long enough for you to eat them. And let's not forget about the mouth-plate maneuver that become all but necessary during this process. You know the one. Where you slump your neck downward and your shoulders upward while open-mouth moving in to 4 inch proximity of your plate while your fork is in the middle; approx 2 inches from you and from the plate. Then comes the attractive fork to mouth portion of the show where you only end up with about 5 peas in your mouth while 15 fall to your plate. Well, Mr. Francis invited the Spork (or Foon if you prefer) and I'm about 110% sure he is completely baflled (whether or not he is still alive) as to why the heck we don't have these at every single restaurant... ever. I can understand why the Knork didn't work. I mean, that's just stupid. Knife fork? Yes, it looks exactly like you think it would. 

Next. The fanny pack. What happened to the fanny pack? When did it suddenly become uncool to have a hands free purse for your camera and lipgloss to wear while hiking or... wait for it... ROLLERBLADING? I know that Louis Vuitton has tried to bring this trend back with their creation of a fanny pack for the bargain price of your first born or favorite childhood pet, but I much prefer the neon pink or green material that first surfaced circa 1985. Preferably while wearing my favorite scrunchie; which is a WHOLE other issue as far as I'm concerned. I can't seem to locate information on the inventor of this incredible purse-belt hybrid but I do seem to notice a lot of references to the popularity amongst such famous role models as Weird Al Yankovich and Hulk Hogan. Let the facts speak for themselves. 

Think of how many sporks you can fit into that fanny pack!? The possibilities are endless. 

CHEERS

Pumpkin Fever

2011-10-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

Soooo I went out on Friday night. I went to a burger joint. Fukuburger to be exact. It's new and pronounced 'foo-koo burger'..which I feel totally sucks half the fun out of it. Or shock value, at least. It ended up being kind of a club. And then I ended up at a club. Thus I was more than enthusiastic to spend my Saturday night far, far, far away from Hollywood nightlife. I decided to spend the night making more pumpkin schtuff. Because I just can't get enough. Obvi.

I baked.

Then baked again.

And carved in between.

The mission....Pumpkin Pie Bites.
The challenge? Not burning them or ruining them after a lot of pumpkin ale.

The recipe:

2 refrigerated ready-to roll pie crusts
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter or.... well... I will show you how to substitute. Because I am brilliant. Obviously.

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. First, make cut outs in the pie crust from the pumpkin cookie cutter. You can also make the circular cut outs via the makeshift use of the mini cupcake wraps that I use in the second image. I used the size of the paper wraps versus the size of the pan I was using to determine the size I needed. I have faith that you will figure it out. Make the circles, dip the edges in egg white from one of the eggs and place them into the cupcake holders in the pan. Scatter the cups in the pan so that the crusts don't rise and end up touching.
Mix (in a bowl, duh) together the pumpkin, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, 2 remaining eggs, cream cheese, and sugar. It might be chunky in the end but that's normal. Pour into cups. Bake for 20 minutes. VOILA.

Oh - don't forget to lick the bowl.

Oh oh again- I carved a pumpkin while baking and kept the seeds. Roast the seeds covered in a half a stick of melted butter and cinnamon with a dash of sea salt for 30 minutes to 50. Check them often. Sometimes they take 30 minutes but sometimes it takes almost an hour for them to get golden brown!

CHEERS

Lazy?....Or BRILLIANT? Touche.

2011-10-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

Recently did my research.

I work all week long and have to look my "best" when I suit up for the office.What does this require? I like to convince myself that it doesn't require much, but realistically I have to shower, blow dry, hair spray, full makeup, full suit (pantie hose and high heels....barf to all). Man oh man does it get redundant. 

Barf barf barf. I just want to sleep.

SOOO I did a little research. Okay, a LOT. One step of the process has officially been eliminated when unnecessary. HAIR. Believe it? You better because I'm serious. 

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray - 23 pesos dollars. Damn, I wish it was 23 pesos. 

Texture. Wind blown. Salt-infused. This schtuff is awesome and smells phenomenal. Barely dry your hair or don't at all. Add this. Low bun twist it if you have straight hair and maybe blow dry a little if you're OCD like me. If you have curly or wavy hair then just let it be. It will be amazing in a half hour. Trust me. Keep it in even if it's wet and watch it over the next few hours. You will look like a girl from The Hills in no time.

Charlotte Ronson Perfect Mess Beach Hair - FAVORITE- 20 buckaroos

For the look of tousled beach hair - it doesn't get better than this. Seriously. I had a weekend in Laguna Beach to go to and I had heard about this stuff. I ran to Sephora and then to another Sephora, and another. It wasn't even on shelves yet and I basically had to bribe the girl behind the counter to get it from the back. Worth every second of groveling. No need to blow dry - incredible smell - bounce - hold - waves. This stuff seriously is amazing and makes your hair smell like the beach. Your friends will think you are a mermaid. Shhh.. your secret's safe with me. 

OK. One more tip I picked up for a super quick morning. You know how you shuffle through your makeup throwing stuff everywhere looking for the right combo of shades? Oh no - you broke one! Then that powdered shadow, crumbling before your eyes, ends up all over your carpet and clothes and then you have to change ALL OVER... *Cry noises* FEAR NOT! I have found the answer. For CHEAP. 

Nuance Eye Quad - 8 dollars and 49 cents. $8.49! Practically giving it away. I don't even need to explain. Just look how awesome and convenient this is.

Hocus Freaking Pocus

2011-10-06T15:40:00.001-07:00

I'm a VERY VERY  happy lady today. El Lay finally has weather and I got to put on a coat  and pair of tights with the black suede pumps that have been collecting  dust in my closet. This is girl-speak for "HOLY CRAPOLA IT'S FINALLY FALL!"

TOP 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO DO & GET FOR FALL. Like NOW. 

1. Assorted pumpkin ingredients. Puree, spice, actual pumpkins. All of it. They are cute and festive. And delicious. 

2. Go to a pumpkin patch. Frolic. Buy one. OK - onward from the pumpkins.

3. Hocus Pocus. That is all. 

4. Cinnamon candles. Trust me on this one. 

5.  Stock up on sweaters. Big fluffy ones that make you feel all warm and  fuzzy. Men look their best in winter clothes anyway. Everybody wins. 

I wore boots last night and a sweater... BOOTS!!!! And I attended a "Save the Tatas" Breast Cancer fund raising event for Susan G Komen at Sweet E's Bakery.  So I pretty much ate cupcakes and decorated cookies in the cold,  donated to cure cancer and save women's chesticles, and complained about  the all-too-short appearance of rain in the city. I didn't buy rain  boots for nothin'. Step it up, Mother Nature, if that's your real name... I  bought my first umbrella yesterday and if I don't get to use it again  this week I'm going to have buyers remorse and no one wants that. Please  note Exhibit A to reference my incredible cat-like reflexes while cookie decorating. 

NOOOO! DON'T DROP THE CANCER COOKIE!

PHEW! That was close.

I made some pumpkin granola to welcome my favorite season per recipe from Miss Nicole's blog Food 4 Thought and it was exactly what I needed. The  joy I felt asking the Whole Foods employees where to find pumpkin puree  can only be matched by the gasp that I let out when I spotted Pumpkin  Ale. (Note to self - pick up Pumpkin Ale! STAT!) Exhibit B displays by baking skills. Voila. 

Ingredients  obvi include white wine that may or may not have been purchased by my  boyfriend with the intention of drinking WITH me (sorry babe) and ginger  snaps for munching (duh). 

Add yogurt and set sail to a land of bliss and pumpkin fairies. Wait... what??

Okay  so I'm slightly obsessively and exuberantly excited about fall finally  arriving. I've already cordially invited my boyfriend to go to the pumpkin patch  with me this weekend (which I consider one of the best couple  activities EVER) and informed him that he will be indulging in the  viewing of Hocus Pocus  on a consistent basis throughout the next month... or two... Netflix is  probably going to report me because they aren't going to get this one  back til I'm good and ready. I've already watched it twice in the two  days I have had it. Pretty much off to a good start. 

EAT DRINK AND BE PUMPKIN-Y 

CHEERS

Let's Be Real

2011-09-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

Let's get real for a second and admit something.... we all screw up at some point or another. We all have our moments. We all have bad days and a little bad luck. 

But enough negativity, let's look at it from a different perspective. It's about balance and reaction. I've heard this saying a bajillion times and it could not be more true : 

Don't eat yellow snow. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.

 It really freaking is, too. I want to yell it from the mountain tops. Taking the time to CHOSE how you want to react is the key . Take a break and get inside your own head to decide what needs to happen to land positive results. It's my turtle method. Not only are they patient and slow (and smart I think?) but they pop in that shell in the face of danger and uncertainty and I would like to think it's to evaluate before attacking. Attacking - because turtles are so violent. 

See.... 

My personal conflict is that my Gramps told me when I was little "not to start tomorrow with today's business". So you can imagine my horror confusion when things happen that I have little to no control over. If you know me, you know that I'm a fixer. I fix things. Sometimes I try and fix things that don't need fixing. That usually just fudges stuff up more but at least I can say I tried. 

As for the moments when we don't take the time to step back and breathe before our reactions (like when alcohol is involved...SUCKS), we just have to learn how to deal with the consequences and realistically assess the damage. Maybe you were rude to a waitress or yelled at the car next to you while waving your arms around..."MY GRANDMOTHER DRIVES FASTER THAN YOU"...which - let's be honest - makes you look nuts because you look like the silent movie version of Jerry Mcguire and his fish quitting their jobs. Minus the subtitles. So basically you just look crazy. OR maybe you began to cry on the phone with your car dealer when they told you that the "minor service" on your car is going to cost you your first born..... that was a fun day. 

I'm really excited to go back there and pick up my car today. Obvi. Not embarrassed at all... 

Sometimes we are going to be "that girl" or "that guy" but it doesn't define who we are all the time. The key is bouncing back. Actions speak louder than words. You catch more bees with honey. Nobody likes a negative Nancy. Okay - enough cliches. I'll stop, I promise. 

I have had a few moments in the last few days that I am not all-too proud of. I had to take a breath and step back and answer the Universe's call to remind myself of all the blessings in my life. Letting the bad stuff overshadow all the good is a terrible thing for your soul and will eventually make you insane. 

We can't fix everything. We make mistakes. We can handle them gracefully with a calm voice and poise. 

So stop complaining and stop apologizing. Just learn from it. And utilize your amazing friends. I just got the MOST AMAZING email from my friend in response to a teensy tiny little episode I had and now I am smiling from ear to ear. Friends solve everything and anything. 

Cheers

Ode to Fall

2011-09-22T15:33:00.000-07:00

Finally. My favorite time of year is coming 'round the bend. 

courtesy of Lookbook.nu

Earth tones, faux fur, lace, stockings, brisk evenings, comfy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin patches, and men wearing sweaters. Seriously - does it get any better??!!! The answer is no. If you think otherwise then you might be a bit cray-cray. 

Fall. Time for vintage. Fashion, fur without purpose, knee highs and lace. Compliment your fingerless gloves with red polish. Rip your jeans and put stockings underneath. 

Take me to the pumpkin patch and let it snow. 

Summer was good to me but much like it's time for a new haircut, it's time for new threads. But not THAT new... this fall/winter/bestseasonEVER - consider your tucked away closet gems. The ones that are peeking out of your storage bins and old boxes. They are "hand-me-downs". They aren't "old" or "outdated". They are "pay-it-forwards".

HOOOOOORAY for the turning of the leaves!!!

courtesy of Lookbook.nu

CHEERS

I'm Going to Need Crackers for All This Cheese

2011-09-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

I hope you're ready because this entry is gonna be cheeeeeeeeeesy. I hope you have wine and crackers. I'm bringing the good stuff - as in brie... maybe a little Gouda...(credit to Mr. Marc Beard for that reference). 

It has come to my attention lately that love is multiplying in my life and those close to me. I don't know if it's my age and generation or the moon finally getting it's s**t in order  ducks in a row but there seems to be a trend of happiness and love exuding from all of my phone conversations and email exchanges with friends and family. Maybe it was in the stars or the water. It's sure not in the smoggy El Lay air so I think we can safely rule that one out. My best friend is getting married, my roommates fell in love and are now engaged to each other (courtesy of yours truly... well initially at least), one friend just started using the L-word, a kindred spirit of mine has fallen head over heels with a boy from back home, my parents are heading toward year 38 of marriage, my father is CANCER FREE, and the list goes on and on and on ... seemingly.  

Lets reinstall LOVE back in our lives and our everyday expectancy. Whether you have it now, have recently lost it, or seek it for your future there is a hope and excitement that wakes up those stubborn butterflies in your tummy and help you to flutter through the day realizing how good you really do have it. Every. Single. Day.  The horizon is promising as long as you live your everyday with the confidence that what lays ahead of you is even better than you could possibly have expected. It's really easy to lower expectations to accommodate what's around you. This is the easy way to come to terms with what's in front of you and convince yourself that it's what is meant for you. EGGHHHHHHHHH - WRONG. Keep those expectations as high as you want them. If you want a gold pony and David Beckham (for sake of this fantasy let's pretend he has a lower pitch voice) to ride up in the sunset and whisk you away from your retail job only to shower you with gifts... well... good luck with that, whacko. Plus, that doesn't sound all that awesome anyways. Gold ponies? What's wrong with my imagination? 

I stubbed my toe = FRICK 

I lost my job = FRACK 

My IPod broke = FACK

My boyfriend/girlfriend/blow-up friend totally left me/dumped me/ popped = WOW... That's awkward

Honestly - schtuff happens. And it's not always great...or grand....or terrific. Remember that life is beautiful as long as you don't spend all of your time looking at all the ugly junk that gravitates toward good people. Blame the laws of attraction. 

Courtesy of unknown

Take an oyster for example. While in Vegas, my boyfriend and I picked out the ugliest oysters we could find at this pearl factory store in the Palazzo. The uglier the oyster = the prettier the pearl. It's intrinsically reflective of the situation come to think about it now from a perspective in a better mindset. I thought my situation couldn't have been more frustrating months ago. I figured that one struggle, bill, argument, loss, after another after another, was finally going to break me. I was going to snap. Then - out of absolutely nowhere someone comes along and cracks open that super ugly shell and BAM - gorgeous, flawless pearl (not me - the relationship). It's now around my neck and I'm so grateful every day that I'm afraid to take it off. 

Take whatever ugly oyster the world has handed you today or hands you tomorrow and crack that thing open. Put it in your hands and be the first to touch that beautiful pearl. (ps- consider the pearl your happiness - your peace - just in case you didn't figure out the direction I was heading with that one...). 

CHEERS

Tip #2 from the Cubicle

2011-09-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

This is the age. 

Our twenties are the time for interviews, negotiations, networking, and most importantly, job placement. I can't even tell you how many of my friends are in the midst of phenomenal career changes and developments. My best friend Kate is even starting up her own interior design business. Where I am terrified of the idea to just quit and struggle a little to get where I dream of, she just went and did it. She is an inspiration. 

More often than I can count my friends come to me for interview advice. Getting to this dream cubicle *sarcasm* wasn't without an extensive and intensive interview process over the last few years with the company. And maybe a little determination and mechanism in my brain that doesn't completely process the meaning of "no" at all times. Which is probably why at the end of my last interview I said to the panel, "It's okay if I don't get this. You WILL see me again". They were a little shocked but I'm writing this blog on my lunch break after a year in the same office with those panel members, so I say - BOOYA!

I have accumulated the best tips that I can think of. I hope you find them useful. If you aren't interviewing and you have already found the perfect job that you absolutely love and want to do forever and ever - I hate you. Really. Seriously. I don't even want you on my blog, you lucky piece of... 

TIP #1 - Dress sharp. This means a suit if you have one. Dress pants and a button down if you don't. A pencil skirt that GOES TO YOUR KNEES. Oye ve, ladies. Oye ve. My father always said, "dress for the job you want and not the one you have". 

TIP #2 - I suppose this goes along with dress code but I feel it's important to address on it's own. Put your boobs away!!!!!! It's tacky. It's unprofessional. No cleavage. If you are blessed in the chesticle department, people will see it no matter what. There's no need to bring them out to play in front of a prospective superior. 

TIP #3 - Prepare. Have your friend conduct a mock-interview with you the night before so you have time to think about your answers and maybe jot them down so you don't forget. 

TIP #4 - Never deface your current employer. I don't care if your old boss used to throw staplers at your face. Don't. Do. It. Employers do not want to hear that you are leaving because "they didn't give me the opportunities I was looking for". I know that doesn't sound all that bad but look how much more appealing this answer is: "I feel as though it is time for me to seek out a company like yours that will allow me to grow in a different direction". You see that? So much better. Bottom line: turn anything negative about your current employer in to a positive about your prospective. "I'm excited for an opportunity to hone talents with a new company..." as opposed to "I've outgrown my company...". 

TIP #5 - Resumes are a whole other ballgame. They are tough. They take forever. the best advice I have from looking over resumes all - the - time... is to keep the wordiness to a minimum. Be concise and direct. Also, make your resume stand out. I'm not saying to print it on pink paper or have pictures on it. This is not an opportunity to use full artistic freedom. I'm just saying that a page border and a little pa-nash never hurt anyone. Plus, they won't forget you. 

TIP #6 - NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK. Let's be real - you won't and DON'T have to like everyone in your office. It's inevitable that you end up having that coworker that calls everyone "Sweets" and "Missy", and "Hun". You may occasionally imagine yourself swiftly scaling the top of her perfectly organized desk with the back of your forearm while screaming "I HAVE A NAME!!!" And let's be real AGAIN - not everyone is going to like you back. But it is important to remember you will catch more bees with honey. Get to know your coworkers. Learn from them and network through them. Make a good impression that will last a career-lifetime.    

Gooooood luck, my dearies. 

CHEERS﻿

Detox. "Too Much!Too Much! - Sincerely, Your Body"

2011-08-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

We all have routines. Some more than others (*cough cough* - yes I am SUPER OCD about mine). It's hard to veer out and even harder to create new habits. It takes 21 days to build a healthy habit, blah blah... If you are treating your mind and body like an emotional dumpster though, it's time for a serious reality check.

"Katie?? Detoxing??? But don't you drink a lot of bubbly??" 

If you know me personally, you know that I am on a constant mission to consume all of the world's champagne. And honestly - it's because I'm just always celebrating something. Life is totally awesome and if you aren't celebrating it you are missing out. Plus, bubbles are extremely tasty and if you don't like champagne* then I don't know if we are going to be able to be friends. I don't trust people that don't drink champagne ..... and people that collect stamps.

*Mid-blog I have a recipe idea so stay tuned for the next post.... 

You can put whatever you want in your body if your body isn't reacting funny. That being said, I GUARANTEE your body will react badly if you are eating tons of dairy (I know cheese is delicious), bread, fast food (BARF), and junk that just plain weighs you down. It's the easiest way to make your skin break out, your stomach ache, your thighs enlarge, your eyes droop (because you are SO sleepy from eating junk), and your boyfriend break up with you (I kid, I kid). So take care of your body and your body will nurture your soul and your mind!!!

I want to share a few SUPER easy tips/detoxes that I use and have come across. Did I mention I'm on one now? I think I ate and drank everything in Vegas the past 3 days so I'm 'a hurtin'.

Courtesy of Whole Eats and Whole Treats

Try one (or a few) of these and I cross my heart you won't regret it:

- Put cucumber slices, lemon, and a few mint leaves in your water. It's refreshing and cleansing at the same time. Adding a bit of fresh ginger makes this even more delish!

- Drink a bottle (or glass) of water for EVERY caffeinated drink you consume at a 1:1 ratio. Soda is AWFUL for you and your teeth but if you are going to drink soda or coffee or anything of the sort - match it with a bottle of water throughout the day.

- Tea instead of coffee. I LOVE Starbucks. I am a very proud Gold Card Member. But.... tea is SO much better for you. Try the mint caffeine-free tea at Starbucks. You won't regret it (again - I cross my heart)

- Stock your fridge with raw fruits and vegetables so you always have a healthy snack... no matter what time of day - raw veggies and fruit are OKAY to eat and super healthy. Plus, constant munching on vegetables will help to speed up your metabolism!

- Need a caffeinated boost?? DRINK OJ. Also - did you know that eating an apple in the morning works 10x better than coffee at perkin' you up!? My boyfriends not a morning person and doesn't drink coffee. I think I'm just going to start leaving apples by his bedside.. stay tuned for success results another day. 

- KAENG RAENG. Okay - so it's a fancy, pseudo-expensive cleanse but it works AMAZINGLY and I am in love with it. Kaeng Raeng is a set of shakes you drink 3 times daily for 3 or 6 days; depending on your preference. You can be a beginner, veteran, or master cleanser and choose it's longevity. The shakes are filled with all the calories, protein, and nutrition that your body needs to function better than ever and you are allowed to eat whatever raw veggies and fruit that you want while you are on it. I lost about 6 lbs when I did mine for 6 days. And I MIGHT MIGHT have cheated on the last day *twinge*. Seriously check out this website and fork up the 70-170 buckaroos. http://kaengraeng.com/

 

None of these tricks that I use are particularly for weight loss... I have a body like a coke bottle evidently so I won't be walkin' around like Kate Moss anytime soon. But you definitely lose weight when you do any of these things, exercise, and stop putting junk in your mouth that your body gets ticked about later on. 

CHEERS to your body, soul, and mind!

Go Forth and Be Charitable : Cancer Still SUCKS

2011-07-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

I think it goes without saying but... 

I've said it before and I'll say it again just to make sure it's loud and clear... 

CANCER STILL SUCKS. It's our job as loved ones and citizens of humanity to help one another in the battle for a cure, for a relief, for a reason why. Cancer invokes a lot of responses and emotions. Sometimes I feel hopeful, sometimes I feel hopeless, sometimes I feel helpless because I can't fix my father and take away his pain. I'm used to fixing things; it's what I do. I'm a fixer and a thinker and a do-er. Yet, here's a curveball that is a humbling reminder that I can't fix everything. That doesn't mean that I can't DO anything. We can contribute, love, and be a staple in the lives of those fighting the good fight. 

My family remains strong, intact, and more in-contact than I have ever seen my whole life. It's a beautiful thing to see an inbox chalk full of responses and prayers from family and even friends of my fathers that I never met. Let's face it - the man is INCREDIBLE. He has touched so many lives that I can't keep track. Hopefully when he is back on his motorcycle and doing jumping jacks in his living room, my sister (who has been his communicator for the most part) and I will be able to do something fabulous with the string of emails that he has dedicated himself to sending out weekly to keep his cornucopia of loved ones informed.

My dad is kicking cancer's ass one day at a time. He is so full of hope and determination. He is an inspiration and perfect example of the resilience of the human body if you have the heart and the will to fight and thrive. My heart is so full of love I could explode. When he introduces my sister and I to the nurses, he says we're his "Angels" and I can't help but blush.   

Meanwhile, I GOT INVOLVED THIS LAST WEEKEND. A very handsome man and I explored the Walk With Sally Event on the water in Redondo Beach. It was White Night and everyone was dressed to impress...like.. REALLY impress... You should have seen the cougars at this thing; Newport's finest. MEOW. We didn't know what to expect but I was in tears seeing how amazing this crowd of over 800 people was. The charity focuses on funding education and providing aide to family members of those who lost the battle against cancer. At one point in the evening, the announcer asked everyone to help raise 30k in less than 5 MINUTES. Welp, folks... in less than 5 minutes there were so many hands up that I couldn't count them quick enough. Of course, the open Patron bar didn't help with that either. I am determined to get more involved with this cause and couldn't recommend it more. 

Please, please, PLEASE help us fight. 

Here is a quick link to Walk With Sally and a few suggested sites to peruse as you choose where you want to put your money. Stuff is fun to buy but this is funner, more awesomer, and contributes to your karma and the curing and saving of precious lives. So... give up some of that money!!! Now!! 

Walk With Sally: 

http://www.walkwithsally.org/

Livestrong:  

http://www.livestrong.org/

Susan G. Komen for a Cure: 

http://ww5.komen.org/

Prevent Cancer Foundation: 

http://preventcancer.org/

Breast Cancer Research Foundation:  

http://www.bcrfcure.org/

Cancer Research Institute: 

http://www.cancerresearch.org/

Cure Search for Children's Cancer: 

http://www.curesearch.org/

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center:

http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/44.cfm

Cancer Care: 

http://www.cancercare.org/

Cheers

21 Gems I Wish I Had Known at 21

2011-07-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

Gems. In no particular order. 

1. A duck will always be a duck. You can't change people that don't want to change.  

2. Chivalry isn't dead. It's just hiding. There are still men that open doors. 

3. "Stability" and "comfort" are not reasons to stay with someone. 

4. Potty mouths are not attractive... ever

5. Boxed hair dye looks like boxed hair dye. Always. 

6. There will always be another party - you don't need to attend them ALL. 

7. You don't look super smokin' hot busting out your dance moves after too many drinks. You only THINK you do. 

8. If you don't have the cash for it, you shouldn't buy it. Period. 
courtesy of unknown source
9. Loosen the purse strings for the good vodka or you will regret it in the morning. 

10. There are rarely reasons to raise your voice that aren't better settled calmly. 

11. Quality jeans are more expensive because they last longer. 

12. Buying clothes too small or too tight will not help you to lose that extra few pounds quicker. 

13. The quickest way to ruin a relationship is to give in to gossip.

14. You really do attract more bees with honey than vinegar. Plus, honey is delicious.

15. Your parents will need you one day just as much as you need them. That is the truest love there is.  

16. Travel. Get in as much as you can. Start seeing the world and culture yourself as soon as you are able. 

17. A degree is NOT a stupid piece of paper. It is invaluable. 

18. The past is the past. Leave it alone.  

19. One of the loudest noises on the planet is the sound of people whining. 

20. Expect the unexpected. Things rarely pan out according to plan. 

21. A watched phone doesn't ring - just like love evades you if you are sitting around waiting for it to fall in your lap. 

- Cheers 

Chin Up, Heart Forward

2011-06-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

Stress blows. It's the worst. Not only is it a total buzzkill, but it can physically make us sick. 

Almost a year ago I had a medical scare - a debilitating migraine that lasted for months without breaks. Turns out, *cue Arnold impression* "It's nawt a tooomahhh". Thank the lord. It  was stress. Real golden medical evaluation - thanks, doc. I realized I needed to make lifestyle changes...and fast. 

Coaching sessions and girl's nights and I slowly but surely started to let things roll down my back like the duck of glory I have always wanted to be. Then came this year's birthday present - a phone call about my Dad's impending battle with cancer. Suddenly, nothing else mattered. 

I can honestly and sincerely tell the world that not much bothers me these days. Even my spinning teachers talk about how blessed we are to be there. Of course, that's between calling us pussies and telling us to pedal harder. But, I have honestly closed my eyes and enjoyed the feeling. And my teacher provided me with the idea to put my "chin up, heart forward". Of course, she's referring to on the bike but it's all relative. People are funny and interesting. Challenges are learning experiences. The word "no" can be your best friend. Fighting is unnecessary if you choose honesty. Oh - and love isn't the enemy but self worth is necessary. See this little hamster?? Look how happy he is!

Courtesy of unknown source

Helpful tips for when stress creeps up: 

- imagine throwing cupcakes at children. It's a win- win. They get sweets and you get to giggle. You'll be smiling in no time. 

- deeeeeeeeeep breaths.

- Lower your voice instantly. When you open your mouth to snap at someone just lower your voice to a soft tone or whisper and you will no longer want to yell. You might even get sleepy. 

- Say "thank you" and mean it sincerely. You are learning from this experience; what you do and don't want. 

- Take a hot shower... mmmm....shrivel up like a grape

- Pour yourself a glass of red and sit in your garden. Oh - I'm sorry- you don't have a garden? My roommates made me one (best roomies EVER) 

- Imagine what good stressing out will do for the situation. Will crying make your missing jewelry appear? Will spazzing out and throwing things make your boss more tolerable or your ex boyfriend less annoying? No. Will freaking out put money in your bank or put a stop to bills coming? No. (If you are answering yes though - message me - I want your number and your secret). 

- Finally - be grateful for everything you have accomplished. Who's the big girl or boy going to work and gettin' that paycheck!? YOU. Who gets up every morning and is blessed with health and happiness? YOU. And even if you feel that you lack either of those two, very vague, items...remember - the human body is capable of concurring most any obstacle. Just ask my dad. Now - if you don't like something - CHANGE IT. 

Go get 'em tiger. Rawr. 

- CHEERS